By Burnett Munthali
In a bold and candid address, Bishop Martin Anwell Mtumbuka of the Karonga Catholic Diocese issued a strong warning to President Lazarus Chakwera, cautioning him against using misleading information in his campaign messaging as the country approaches the 2025 general elections.
Speaking during a public function attended by the President, Bishop Mtumbuka began by acknowledging the sensitivity of the political season and made it clear that he was treading carefully to avoid offending the Head of State.
“Your Excellency, because this is the election period and I don’t want to offend you but I want to correct something,” the Bishop stated with respectful firmness, setting the tone for what would become a deeply pointed critique.
He then drew attention to a social media post made approximately two weeks earlier, which appeared to suggest that major rehabilitation works on the critical M1 Road at Chiweta had been successfully completed.
“Two weeks ago a member, I guess, is from your cabinet, posted some pictures that M1 road in Chiweta has been done,” he said, noting with concern the use of such claims as a potential campaign tool.
With the 2025 elections drawing near, Bishop Mtumbuka warned the President against relying on such posts in political rhetoric or public relations narratives.
“Please don’t use that information for campaign, for you will be accused of lying,” he warned, emphasizing the ethical and political risks associated with spreading unverified or incomplete information to the public.
Though Bishop Mtumbuka did not name the individual directly during his speech, his comments have been widely interpreted as a direct reference to Minister of Transport and Public Works, Jacob Hara.
In April 2025, Minister Hara posted on his official Facebook page addressing the concerns over the Chiweta-Karonga stretch of the M1, which has been a long-standing source of frustration due to its dangerous terrain and slow rehabilitation progress.
“Trending videos and pictures on M1 condition are old clips,” the Minister posted, in an attempt to counter growing criticism over the condition of the road.
He added, “All temporary remedial works on all difficult spots on Chiweta-Karonga road have been completed. The road is now passable but works towards a permanent solution continue.”
However, Bishop Mtumbuka’s statement challenges the narrative being pushed by the Minister, suggesting that the ground reality may not align with the images or updates shared by government officials.
The M1 Road, particularly the stretch from Chiweta to Karonga, remains a vital artery for the northern region’s economy, trade, and mobility.
Persistent reports from travelers and local residents have indicated that the road is far from fully repaired, with some areas still posing danger to motorists.
Bishop Mtumbuka’s intervention is not simply about infrastructure—it reflects a broader concern over transparency, accountability, and the politicization of development.
By urging the President to refrain from using questionable information for electoral gain, the Bishop is effectively calling for ethical campaigning and integrity in leadership.
His statement has resonated with many Malawians who are frustrated by recurring promises and photo ops that fail to translate into tangible improvements in their daily lives.
As Malawi moves closer to a critical electoral milestone, Bishop Mtumbuka’s comments serve as a powerful reminder that honesty in public service is not optional—it is a moral imperative.
In a political environment where public trust is often fragile, voices like his play a crucial role in holding leaders to a higher standard and ensuring that national discourse is anchored in truth, not just optics.
